As America works to secure the supply chains behind its food and rely less on overseas competitors, here’s what you need to know about how phosphate ties into the picture.
Sulfur supply is under real pressure right now.
Sulfur is a critical input in phosphate-based crop nutrients. When it’s in short supply, the impact is felt in prices at the grocery store.
The U.S. produces roughly 70% of the sulfur it needs domestically, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. Yet we ship most of it overseas to state-run competitors like China, who buy the raw material, refine it, and keep the finished product for themselves.
When we produce this much of a critical resource at home, keeping more of it for American producers is simply common sense.
There’s also growing value in a byproduct of phosphate production. The impacts could make America less reliant on foreign nations for critical minerals.
- Scientists have now identified more than 55 beneficial uses for Phosphogypsum, or “PG,” a natural byproduct of making phosphate-based crop nutrients. Applications range from stronger roads to enriched soil.
- Florida’s gypstacks hold an estimated 200,000-plus tons of rare earth elements.
- That’s a homegrown source of critical minerals when America is working to depend less on foreign competitors for them. It’s another good example of finding smarter ways to use what we already have here at home.
Phosphate is central to a stronger economy and a more secure food supply. When we produce a significant share of one of its key inputs at home, keeping more of it working for American producers is just common sense.
Stay tuned for more on phosphate and how you can help secure America’s sulfur supply.
